How To Choose The Right Overdrive Pedal For Your Needs - That Pedal Show

Despite the slightly click-baity title, this is NOT a video for anyone looking for quick and easy answers. That's because Dan and I have spent decades and umpteen thousands of pounds finding out that there really is no simple answer to the question, ‘What overdrive pedal should I buy?’
However, we do have a better question that will be infinitely more helpful: ‘What do I want an overdrive pedal to do?’
We propose in this video that there are four common answers to that question and as such, help you significantly narrow down your OD pedal choices.
This video is NOT about the 'best' specific pedal; it's about concepts - gain structure, headroom, dynamics, the guitar-pedal-amp ecosystem - because, well, head back to the first paragraph.
TLDR? TLDW? We understand, but just know this: an hour and 17 watching this video will save you years of getting it ‘wrong’ and wasting endless cash, we promise.
Enjoy. If you dare…
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini - No longer made, link to latest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/30GVcUn
USA: imp.i114863.net/kdLx3
Australia: bit.ly/348bMOY
• Tru-Fi Colordriver
tru-fi.com/tru-fi-pedal-colord...
• JHS / Electro Harmonix Triangle Muff Illuminati Mod
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2Ysnv8x
Australia: bit.ly/2HKO6IM
• Keeley Java Boost
No longer made
• Ibanez TS808 (Keeley Mod)
No longer made
• Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive
www.rogueguitarshop.com/produ...
• Xotic Effects BB Preamp
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2UVMqyZ
Australia: bit.ly/2TBq7NC
• JHS Sweet Tea V3
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2IToU3n
USA: bit.ly/3EFSAtP
Australia: bit.ly/2vuSKSZ
• RYRA The Klone
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2j2UjTL
Australia: bit.ly/2uz9vvI
• Wampler Tumnus Deluxe
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2WgGdy9
USA: bit.ly/31S0qCo
Australia: bit.ly/2Vy2v1q
• Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man 1100-TT
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2WbQLhG
USA: imp.i114863.net/6Z2aK
• Xotic EP Booster
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2ed1cvg
USA: bit.ly/3EFrBPf
Australia: bit.ly/2PET8Yk
• TheGigRig G2
www.thegigrig.com/g2
Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro playing: 0:00
- What are we doing today? 2:00
- Where do you begin with overdrive pedals? 2:34
- Why does this matter: gain structure is EVERYTHING: 3:25
- The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION of all: 6:00
- The four main reasons you might want an overdrive pedal: 6:40
- A smorgasbord of awesome OD pedals: 7:35
- Today’s amps: why these? 7:50
- REASON 1: OD pedal for your always-on core tone: 11:05
- How much gain? 14:50
- REASON 2: OD pedal for solo boosts: 22:32
- …clean amp: 22:59
- - boost pedal before and after OD pedal: 23:30
- That thing Klon-style pedals do so well: 24:30
- Why OD pedals don’t lift volume into a gainy amp - HEADROOM: 27:20
- How to boost a dirty amp via the FX loop: 28:30
- Why treble boosters are horrible with clean amps: 29:35
- Why treble boosters are awesome with dirty amps: 30:15
- Treble booster into Timmy into clean amp: 33:05
- Tube Screamer into clean amp: 34:50
- Tube Screamer into dirty amp: 35:50
- Boost pedal in amp FX loop: 37:15
- Shaping drive tones with a boost/EQ :4115 (45:25)
- REASON 3: OD Pedal For VST - a Very Specific Tone: 48:10
- Oh please not SRV. Nooooo! 49:55 (51:10)
- Tone is not in the fingers: 50:40
- Big Muff and delay does not equal instant Gilmour: 56:00
- Why the Coloursound Power Driver is so cool: 1:01:10
- You’re never going to sound like them? 1:03:30
- Reason 4: OD Pedal To Do It All? 1:04:45
- A two-sided OD pedal: 1:08:15
- Good things to look for in a do-it-all OD pedal: 1:11:55
- Closing thoughts: 1:14:45
Guitars in this episode:
• PRS DGT - watch Mick’s video at bit.ly/2d8Xo2I
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s video at bit.ly/2cQv3yT
• Fender Custom Shop ’63 Telecaster - Dan’s video at bit.ly/2dlZJ6K
Amps in this episode
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III with standard speaker - No longer made, link to latest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2KBwMWc
USA: imp.i114863.net/2mnPz
• Victory VX The Kraken with V112VC cabinet / Celestion G12M-65 Creamback
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@nicklearnstomove]

choose what i need? = zero choose what i want? = EVERYTHINGGGGGGG

[@michaelcope9501]

Gents, I just spent three glorious days at a workshop in Indiana with Robben Ford, Jeff McErlain, John Jorgenson, and a great group of students. Midway through a presentation they name-dropped, paused, HONKED an imaginary horn, and continued. Everyone caught it. You guys are crushing it! Congrats!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Woah! That's crazy!

[@michaelcope9501]

Right?! Like worlds colliding! Very happy for you guys.

[@BrazenNL]

Ah, first time it was there. Was it on the Sweetwater premises this time or close to it?

[@michaelcope9501]

Brazen NL At Sweetwater. What a wonderful company. Bonus: i met Mitch Gallagher too. So welcoming and kind. Would do it again in an instant.

[@81ghale]

Man that sounds awesome! I didn’t hear about that going on. I’ve been wanting to make the trip to Sweetwater for a long time, but it’s a bit of a drive (I live in souther Indiana) and I’ve not found the time.

[@SwirlyWhirlyXYZ]

A key component of the David Gilmour/Pompeii tone is removing your shirt whilst playing outdoors in the summer, as well as proximity to unstable geothermal conditions and ancient ghosts.

[@maxpiantoni]

Richard Swan don’t forget that later that evening David had to play a duet with a singing dog, so he had that on his mind too.

[@bluesdude514]

Lmfao that’s great

[@mattgilbert7347]

Playing in close proximity to Roger's haircut ad Nick's mustache must have been crucial.

[@will-iu2bk]

The lack of shirt is also key in john frusciante tone

[@j.h.leonard587]

Was going to like but this currently has 69 likes.

[@jasong546]

It bums me out that you have a need to explain why the length of the video is valid. You can make any video you want, and talk about the topic as long as you like. I value your experience, and you guys are not wasting time. It’s fine!

[@Reveltt]

I hope they were explaining why it's only 1+ hour and not 10+ hours

[@gibbysg8143]

Wholeheartedly agree with you. Obviously people enjoy the channel, their knowledge and personalities. Ramble on!!!

[@darrenc8776]

Couldn't agree more jason. Love these guys

[@Corduroyrumble]

Especially with the amount of information in some of these, they’re worth every minute, and the goofing off offers a breather every now and then.

[@RandyWillcox]

I agree. I would love for them to be able to tell the people who bitch about it to piss off, but they're too kind. I wouldn't even mention the length of the video and let those who continuously complain make themselves crazy.

[@ChowdMusic]

When I saw how long this video was, I was expecting another over-inflated, waffle-fest that so often characterizes KZbin videos. What I got instead was engaging, informed, focussed discussion throughout, from two, infinitely likeable, experts. This is a massive topic, and you presented it brilliantly. Thank you.

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

One of the joys of being in New Zealand, is this shows up in my feed on Saturday morning. I can shut myself away in the office, stare at my pedalboard, make a few tweaks, and listen to this. A real joy

[@kevinvandenberg5548]

I let out an audible F YESS when I saw this upload. Cheers for making friday's better than they ever were!

[@mahatma_gandalf]

The only perfect overdrive pedal is the next one.

[@sjlacey65]

And n+1

[@rockstardr]

A new one....

[@drayve8590]

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo true!

[@scrawfordmusic]

100%

[@BrunoCesarCoelho]

Perfect statement 😆 But Timmy made me finish my search for low gain ODs

[@bbmade]

Just started watching and thinking to myself....where was this episode 25 overdrives ago!?

[@archie3k433]

You serious? ..... You high or stupid? lol 1.) Research 2.) Buy what you want/need If you're buying and selling/trading ODs a lot then that's either your hobby - trying them out for a while and trading them - or you're an idiot.

[@bbmade]

Archie 3K - It’s one thing to research, another thing to try (in a store), try at home, try at rehearsal, try at a gig. Searching for the right tone might be easy for some and for others it’s not. Lighten up and let people experience their own journey in tone.

[@philbov]

Part of the SRV tone equation is also the tone of the bass and drums and the way they’re played and sound in support of the guitar. Everything’s connected 🤜🤛

[@LetsTalkAboutMathRock]

Yes! Been looking forward to this one all day. Thanks guys.

[@brianricker1703]

That Java Boost vs. amp comparison was amazing! Very well demoed, guys!

[@BipityBopity93]

In a time where I have to be at work but there isn’t anything to do, I’ve been binge watching these videos. Thank you for the content! ❤️

[@stevenpippin6079]

I'll tell you what I learned today. Mick needs to play that PRS more. Lovely sounds.

[@hovikmekhjian2464]

PRS Guitars are magic!

[@rickwoods5313]

Hey guys, old man here, this was one of my favorite episodes, just wanted to say. Put many things together, of course, along with your many others. Just had to say thanks, you all are making my, older years, hehe, better.

[@tituschalk]

The great thing about this episode was how well it demonstrated your progress not only as pedal experts but as storytellers, too. You've covered a lot of these topics before - but this was such a great synthesis of everything that's come before. Lots of brilliant, helpful information, in as concise a manner ad possible. The pace was great! A brilliant watch and never a dull moment. Thanks guys for teaching us so much!

[@tonybrooks476]

Dan can’t actually bring himself to admit how many he has!

[@forester057]

Half the battle is admitting you have a problem, Dan. Hi I’m Dan. I’m a gear addict and have 5 million pedals. I had to kick my children, dog and wife out to make room for more gear. 😂

[@Payne2view]

I'm not sure he knows how many he has.

[@themattitude]

He just doesn't know. I can't tell you how many I have and I'm only a bedroom noodler. Only a handful are drive pedals, but even then I have to get fingers out.

[@GGRetroRally]

It’s so the wife doesn’t find out 😜

[@TybudX]

@@forester057 5 Million on the riser. Wait til you see what's underneath!

[@colinholmes]

Such a fantastic video! I've been focusing on "cleaner" tones for the last 10 years, and this has really inspired me to expand my horizons and explore some new sounds. You guys really do provide some amazingly informative content and I anxiously await seeing what new things I get to learn from you guys each week.

[@Yamazaki1923]

I had to explain to my kids today that That Pedal Show is mandatory Friday morning radio :) As usual... Thank you very much guys. This is one of my favorite parts of my week.

[@rorymcclellan3740]

I have been patiently waiting for this video and I didnt even know I was! You guys never cease to deliver! Or to be both informative, easy to digest, and keep it /entertaining/. You guys kick ass, keep it loud! but not too loud lol.

[@savedbyasong4627]

Love your show always but this episode was especially useful and enjoyable, just so worth watching. Thanks!!!

[@Lobberzillo]

I don't have much experience on equipment, but since I watch TPS, I followed their tips. I think an overdrive needs to match three things: The Amp , the music style and the player.

[@yannick9678]

Two things I want to say about this episode. 1. thank you for sharing all this important stuff! After watching many many episodes of TPS I really feel confident with all that conceptions of gain, tone and guitar in general. So much better and more informative than any regular gear demo can ever be. 2. this episode was one of those that really got me. Immediately after I watched it, I picked up my guitar and played. You really inspire me and many others and in my opinion that's the most important thing. Thank you and keep it up, cheers!

[@chrispschultz]

Tangent Pedal Show I wouldn't have it any other way. Love you guys keep it up.

[@solidoakaudio]

Was just about to mow the lawn ... but this looks much more fun/expensive ...

[@toofusnook]

Solid Oak - I just mowed my lawn and rewatched. Was going to mow yesterday, but “had to” put it off so I could repair and re-bias my MetroAmp JTM45 😂

[@russhicksart]

Best guide to overdrives on the internet...fantastic show guys!

[@michaela9817]

Quickly approaching 200k subscribers! Nice work. Happy for you :)

[@TraneFrancks]

"Treble booster is the fun part into a gainy amp." -- That's what I needed. Recently got my first valve amp (DSL1CR) and I find myself mostly driving the classic gain channel with a lovely, crunchy rhythm tone. I have been really wondering about what to do about a solo tone. Now comes the search for a treble booster. You guys are fabulous.

[@igetmycalcium]

Just went on reverb and bought a Timmy after watching this. Thanks a lot guys.

[@JoelHansen87]

This is the most educational video I’ve ever seen on pedals!

[@bpsychoz]

You guys have really turned a corner this year, and your mix of content is outstanding. Keep it coming.

[@MorleyRobertson1975]

Always so much to learn from you guys. Love the channel, love the tips. I don't gig anymore, and I'm down to only my Blackstar HT-5, but I love trying pedals through it using the information I get from That Pedal Show. So far, I've managed to build myself a pretty decent pedal board. I've gone through quite a few different pedals in the past few months and will continue to build as I watch your channel. Great job lads, keep it up!

[@erickwalsh9258]

I’m 10 min in and I already have to say that this is a FANTASTIC episode!!

[@lotusmark2]

Just awesome, thanks guys! Moving from SS to tube so this is invaluable

[@mtrooze]

With the explosion in drive pedals, what a timely video! I follow a lot of the pedal makers on KZbin (won't mention names because everyone will honk the horn) and they are an incredibly warm, humble, affable, honest set of guys who are not afraid to praise each others' products, but I continually come back to you for a solid grounding, Dan and Mick.

[@satchmodog2]

I own most of those already, but gleefully watched anyway. Every episode I learn something new from you two. Either it's watching you play or about the gear, power supplies or effects history.

[@matthenthorn2072]

The Tumnus is a personal breakthrough for me, basically a Klon with EQ shaping. I could easily trade my Archer for a Tumnus as my “always on” pedal. As always, thanks for the massive revelations!

[@c.p.1589]

Hi guys. Only halfway through and it's your best organised, most informative and on point episode yet. You two are ready to write the best selling guitar book of all time. Put this in print, where you have examples of specific amp types, guitars and pedals and give detailed instructions about how to build a sound for each combination. Do the same with other effects/ wet- dry rigs etc too and have all the steps on a CD or other digital format that demonstrates each step. It'd be such a popular reference/ resource. You'd sell them by the truck load.

[@AdamBuntain]

I've been playing in bands for 20 years and playing guitar longer than that, I never used pedals until very recently. I had a few here and there through the years but never utilized them in any sort of live situation until a couple weeks ago when I played my first two shows with a small 4 pedal board. It is overwhelming, the vast amount of pedals and accessories and possibilities. It's been a lot to learn with a long way to go but your show has definitely helped me in the process. You guys share concepts and wisdom gained through a lot of first-hand experience and I trust the info you share with us through TPS. Thanks for another great episode, gentlemen.

[@thedeadxtras9927]

Loving your show guys and the time, detail and in-depth explanations you give us on whatever subject you are educating us about. Many thanks Steve (The Dead Xtra’s).

[@JaakkoTK]

I`ve approached this journey step by step: 1. play your guitar without amp 2. play it with somekind of amp 3. try to understand what kind of sounds you tend to navigate 4. try these different types of od:s, distortions, boosters 5. add modulations 6. mix the order 7. find a wormhole and dig deep :) AND play time to time without any pedals, give some time and space to your brains and then, start again :) Great episode again - I`ve learned so much from you guys during the years! Cheers from Finland!

[@RC-gg1ib]

You are so right! Wish I could visit Finland!

[@franknguitars7671]

... and that is why pedals and clean (Tube) amps is the best way to do it. There are so many great sounding pedals out there and tone sculpting is so much easier starting from a nice clean tone. Also volume control is much easier. Thanks guys, that was fun!

[@guitarspeakpodcast1383]

Thanks for another great show! I've been playing for a while but always learn something new or get inspired to try something new from your show \m/ !

[@CornSw]

You're wonderful guys! Your content and the information presented is so invaluable! Channels like this makes me want to come back and learn more!

[@geoffnightingale9290]

Please do 2 crossover shows: Bjorn from Gilmourish and Johan Segeborn, his channel with classic crazy Marshall/ Vintage it’s ridiculously brilliant. Now he does play LOUD! #dontletitdie

[@mathewrileymusic]

Corgan has pretty consistently been a single coil guy. I remember one of his main Strats had Fender Lace Sensors (SIlver, Gold, Red, front to back). Siamese Dream is a guitar masterpiece. Maybe the best guitar album of the 90's. Brian May's influence is *heavy* & in the best way. I think they used just about every piece of gear imaginable on that album, but "the sound" people usually associate with this era of SP is an IC Muff into a JCM 800 modded with KT88's

[@eanroad]

Gracias amigos! I've been watching TPS for a long while now and this vid methodically summarizes many of the previous conversations and puts them into context. Again, thank you!

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

Dan's face at @9:28 is the best reason to watch this show. Just seeing that pleasure when you have some good tone is marvellous!

[@joemisek]

That Pedal Show, Live at Pompeii!!! It could work.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Give David a call and it will be amazing!

[@mattl7033]

No sounds through the BB Preamp in this episode? Maybe I missed it. It's my favourite drive sound through my inears with a sm57 and a fender amp (I only ever use in ear monitors. There are drives i like better sitting in front of my amp)

[@jamesrobinson529]

This video is beyond valuable. So much of this info is exactly what I needed to learn and now I feel more prepared to to make the needed purchases for the tone I want. That Pedal Show is like an encyclopedia for guitar tone!

[@matthewscheiper6973]

Another tonally awesome video! Thank you both for continuing my education in my neverending tone journey! Thank you gents. Long live the long videos!

[@MythosSoundStudio]

VST, VCPI, TPS.....HAL....it’s all merging together. ‘2019 - A Pedal Odyssey’. Lol. Great show guys. Loving all the OD - didn’t realize the Sweet Tea was so versatile.

[@cicerofavaretto]

Great show guys. I would like to hear something about the BB preamp. Maybe next time

[@albertplaysguitar]

I gotta say, I've learned so much from you guys. Thanks for the genuine approach you take. You've helped me on my pedal journey and I've learned 3 thing: gear combinations matter (find a baseline!), Pedals are only as good as their ability to make you forget they are there (i.e. getting rid of the middleman) and finally, learn what you like while staying open (never good versus bad---just different).

[@coolsprus101]

This is the first channel that legitimately compels me to contribute financially; thanks guys!

[@Craig_Fussell]

Good points about “VSTs.” They are the culmination of human interactions (technique) and gear. To me, the “tone” can be replicated with gear, but “sound” is a different thing. EC, JH, DG, SRV, EVH, BFG, etc. will “sound” like themselves regardless of the gear they’re using because of their personal techniques. That’s why, for example, SRV has a similar “sound” to Albert King using drastically different gear. ✌🏻🎸

[@jep3305]

Ah, Friday - TPS time! Thanks a lot, Gents - Greetings from Berlin, Germany

[@phillipasby9202]

Have to go buy a shirt - each and every week I learn something new, usually directly applicable to me and my playing and rig, and very much appreciate the deep dives and the clear amount of time and effort you put in to making these informative, well done visually and particularly well done audio... if you're not listening to this show through good speakers or headphones you are simply missing out on the extraordinary quality!

[@simonissell]

I reckon this is the best episode yet! Been playing for years and still learned so much from this episode. Thanks guys :-)

[@mr.jogger8346]

These guys always make me take a piece of paper and write down notes!!!!

[@TheBigGuppy]

Having my Graphic EQs immediately after the drive pedals I can voice the drive sounds to where the pedals sound way more homogenous. Since I started using 2 EQs I've quit buying a lot of different drives. Most important thing seem to be amount and rate of saturation and how it responds to the guitar volume knob and touch.

[@utopia_effects]

A good EQ can mimic the EQ thing happening in many overdrives, but from my experience they can't do anything about the compression and the clipping. Also when you have an EQ after an overdrive that dumps bass and treble, like a tubescreamer for instance, it is hard to introduce those frequencies back, it's like trying to recover audio information that isn't there anymore.

[@Micky-yo3ng]

I use EQ for boost too, very versatile. Vinicus’s comment is true too, but you may not want to change the pedal character. David Gilmour used an EQ on each overdrive/fuzz/distortion and gaffa taped them together to turn both pedals on at once

[@mattgilbert7347]

I've considered adding a second EQ, I have one spare. Currently using the standard GE-7 post-Muff (and post-gain in general but it's important for how I want my big muff to work) so that I can get the midrange to where I need it, bit of a volume boost if I need it. With the gain on the Muff rolled back to around 1-2 o'clock and an OD like a blues driver in front, It takes a smooth "classic Muff" sound into something that almost resembles the sound you'd get if I cranked the amp, maxed it out and then blended (mixed) that sound with the sound of the Muff into the amp set relatively clean. It's tricky stuff.

[@lukeweiler1192]

Awesome video !!! I’ve never disliked one video of you guys rocking it and I think I’ve seen almost every one. You guys rock !! Thanks for all the sounds. Gotta get a G2 someday. Loved the baroness rundowns and that you had them stop by. My favorite was def Analog man tour ...and analog Mike Sunface vid ...but all the delay shootouts and all of the info on OD pedals here is close. Possibly my favorite video rig here.

[@jeshely]

The best video explaining the overdrives and its usage in correlation to rest of you guitar chain. Even amongst other of your other videos by you guys dealing with the subject this is the clearest and better demoed and explained.

[@HolmesThom]

Once again the GigRig power supply coming into its own. There was no noise at all coming from that BB Preamp. VCPI FTW! 😂😂

[@TheseusTitan]

I love my Timmy pedal. It leaves the tone of my Double Cutaway LP alone while adding a little more sustain with a touch of boost.

[@ap7498]

Thanks boys!! A great video indeed and adds some much needed clarity to OD, gain stacking and the reality of the endless and pointless search of our Guitar Gods Tone. I’ve always struggled some with stacking and this delivers much needed clarity to using the pedals I have in unison. Keep it up!!

[@Valgant]

Amazing! I couldn't have imagined that I'd watch it through. I just couldn't give it up. Thanks a lot, guys!

[@StuartBridson]

PRS + Timmy + Java into the Fender is one of the best tones you've ever done on the show by a mile!

[@StuartBridson]

And good god how good does that Colordriver sound???

[@StuartBridson]

Very surprised you guys didn't have an OCD on - surely one of THE most versatile overdrive pedals on the market especially as an "always on" tone.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yeah it's completely awesome. If I could only have one OD pedal for the rest of my days, it would probably be that. (Discounting the D&M Drive of course). Mick here.

[@davedavem]

Great to watch one live§ for the first time in a few weeks :D § before the VCQs are out!

Watching this for the 3rd time. And I always learn something new. Thank you so much, guys.

[@swanpond14]

Just an amazing video. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years and it’s still good to think about these principles from time to time. Gain staging is so important and it’s easy to get off track from time to time. You have to use the proper tools for the job at hand. Great job guys !

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

YT needs a pressure sensitive 'like' button, so it registers how hard I'm mashing it!

[@forester057]

Best idea ever!

[@colaboytje]

Love that comment :-)

[@EzyoMusic]

Touch sensitive, like what everybody wants in an overdrive pedal. Or not even just an overdrive pedal. ;)

[@tabletactics4578]

The star rating system was close enough.

[@JDODify]

No this I'm interested in! I currently have an OCD, TubeScreamer and Klone on my board. I love having overdrive options.

[@mattdelrey9962]

bought a tumnus deluxe a few months back after watching the TPS klon shootout video. definitely my go-to pedal. got a lot of different sounds out of it in the studio recently. and live, I always have it low-to-mid gain as an always-on pedal. so good. can't thank you guys enough for pointing me out to it.

[@thedeadxtras9927]

Brilliant episode guide for all that need to understand how to use and choose your desired overdrive pedals with your given guitar setup, great explanations and demos of all different types of drives you can utilise going into clean or dirty amps, everyone needs to realise that each individuals setup will be different and is dependant on the guitar you are using, amp and pedals, so just because your mate may have a certain pedal you love the sound of, and you then buy the same pedal and wonder why it doesn’t sound exactly the same as what you had previously heard, it’s all down to full rig setup and utilising all the input/output/gain/EQ stages to develop and create the overall tone, never just expect to just plug the pedal in straight away and it sound as you had expected, you have to dial in, edit and work with your gear to get that desired sound. Thanks gents always a great show whatever the topic.

[@SCOREWIZARDSMUSIC]

I use the "Interesting bits and go-to sections…" all the time...thanks for that

[@wannaberockgod9474]

Pick my own overdrive pedal? It’s just took me nearly 8 years to realise I can put my feet up and watch KZbin videos in the living room on the big screen via a PS4 rather than my phone! I’m that stupid I shouldnt be trusted to pick my own nose let alone a drive pedal!

[@smileyfdave]

You are not alone. We are legion.

[@revenant235]

My people!

[@roryl.baggao7423]

wannaberockgod , the PS4 does what!??

[@wannaberockgod9474]

@@roryl.baggao7423 Yeah, thats right man. Welcome to 2013, apparently the year I've only just caught up to!

[@rohadtanyad8908]

@@wannaberockgod9474 wow, i have been watching youtube on the bigscreen for as long as youtube has been out. and i don't see any commercials. so this is not 2013 you caught up with, i have been doing it since 2006 or so.

[@ericjanusch3032]

Hello Guys... Greetings from AZ in the US of A. Excellent episode ! Couldn't be more timely for me. I got my first tube amp this week and I was just about to begin looking into overdrive pedals. Cannot tell you how much I appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge with all of us. Thanks to your advice I now have a good idea the type of pedal that will work well with my 6 watt, low headroom amp.

[@JazzyJunior]

Great very informative vid! Lots of stuff to try out next time I’m playing with my current collection and a better understanding of what I’m looking for in a pedal. I feel like for new pedal searchers this is the perfect intro vid would have saved me a ton of time!

[@BigSh00tsie]

that treble booster section blew me away! would have never known!

[@9timesacharm]

Playing electric guitar for a year now. Very helpful! No idea where to start.

[@theimmediate2536]

This video perfectly outlines what it has taken me 2 years to learn about my Strymon Riverside, in terms of gain-stacking (Boss EQ pedal into the Riverside as a treble boost) into an overdriven amp (Vox AC15 on normal channel)... basically, there isn't a really a clean clean on the AC15. The Riverside is really flexible in these situations because of its excellent eq / boost options. And the favourite switch. Don't care as to its digital provenance, it's flexible and sounds really really great.

[@marcusviniciusantunes287]

Great video guys! I’ve been learning to play guitar for a while and this is really helpfull. It was a very confusing topic for me. Thanks a bunch.

[@georgewilkins4231]

You guys have changed overdrive into a science. I believe John Mayer uses a TS into his Klon.. Know I understand the science behind that thinking. Well done guys...!!!

[@squiresandsons]

I know that a show about setting up for live gig would so many tangents that might not be feasible but amp stage placement, mics and amps, vocal mics, monitors, monitor mixes, stage volume, FOH volumes, etc. These topics are all very interesting and then basically dives back into last weeks show about 2 guitars playing together. Hey why not a multipart series featuring the setup and gig of the TPS Band? As always, my wife blames you two for my addiction but keep up the good work!

[@Myckey6]

hell yeah,,, you know , everybody got find through the searching and trying in real time with particular ears and gear... but watching you two was a lot of fun today!! thank you

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Miki!

[@martinscholes9314]

After faffing around for years I've realised that recording and live sounds /use are almost 2 different sounds and require different tones. Mostly I'm a live player these days so a solid early ac/dc core tone from my Orange thunder with a tube screamer is THE live sound. Knock the volume down for cleans because no one wants pure clean playing live. Thanks to your fabulous advice I've learnt how to use the effects loop properly for solo boost and modulation, delay etc. I can't thank you enough 🎸🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🦄🦄

[@shfnderrock]

After years of OD addiction and mountains of money wasted, I actually found Distortion pedals are better used at Low - Mid Gain for a great OD sound

[@mattburdock1734]

Totally agree! The best way to use a DS-1 IMHO

[@ewetoo]

You can also do the same with some fuzz pedals!

[@smwatson1512]

Love that DGT.

[@bastienlhabitant8270]

What an enlightening and captivating video from an amazing channel, thank you so much!

[@noisecode5867]

What a feeling it is when you discover that sound that is "your sound" That sound that moves and inspires you like no other. I have just discovered the Greer Tomahawk.I have played guitar for 25 years and I have never been someone who gets excited about overdrives but I can't stop playing this thing. (Strat>Tomahawk>Twin) It physically makes me happy with every note. Give it try if you get a chance. You wont be sorry. Thanks again guys!

[@MAC100PROOF]

I would love to see an episode that dedicated to different types of FX loops and the tonal differences between them!

[@edwardbosloper2445]

“How to buy and overdrive pedal - you can’t buy one! “ To summarise GAS - “Come on in, the water’s fine” You guys really know how to make me happy to be obsessed with pedals on a weekly basis! Well bloody done for making me poor too !!!

[@barrelburger]

Thank you so much! I learned more from this short video than from years of trial and error.

[@alanohagan6999]

That was an awesome episode, probably saved me a fortune - thanks guys

[@sunburst7246]

That Big Muff is the Smashing Pumkins pedal. Great sound...

[@stratcat7162]

I've tried just about every od pedal throughout the years. At this point I'm done searching.... The 2 keepers are the OCD and the Boss OD-3. In most cases I'll simply use them as a boost with my blues junior or Princeton.

[@darren7634]

I started playing guitar in May of last year. Bought my first overdrive pedal a month later, the trusty tube screamer mini, as suggested by you guys. Since then I’ve bought a few more but always after watching tps for your advice. Cheers guys!

[@senseandadapt3929]

This is a master class for the non expert ( which is difficult to achieve and usually a contradiction in terms) , I have been playing over 30 years experimenting through trial and error, reading and listening to everything I could lay my hands on, the difference here is you separated the concepts and gave immediate demos into very different Amps. This goes to the top of my pedal explanation videos. I am pleased you listed all the sections. This is now my go to video as I will need to view it many times finding something new each time. For the first time all the jargon made sense. Well done for such an educational video. Best Steve. Now where’s my pedal board and hot rod deluxe? I need to rearrange some things.... and ask my wife to go on holiday for a few weeks.